You Say Yogurt, I Say Yiaourti. It's All Greek to Me

I was only 20 and still in college when we met. Boasting everything a young woman could want, my Love was smooth, bold, and even rich. Our brief encounters always left me feeling satisfied and yet I still yearned for more. It’s been almost 16 years and I can honestly say that I am still completely in love with Greek Yogurt.

If you like the standard yogurts found in supermarkets then I both urge and caution you to read on. Once you experience Greek yogurt, also known as yiaourti, you may find yourself tossing your old, watery yogurt out the window (not recommended because it makes a real mess). It’s really that good. It’s kind of like sour cream, yogurt and heaven combined.

Basel Nassar, one of the founders of Greek Gods yogurt explains, “It is the rich, full-mouth feel of the yogurt that impresses people. I’ve introduced many chefs to the product and they have all been shocked by the rich, mellow flavor.” Nassar continues, “it is the intense straining process that the yogurt goes through that gives it the creamy, dense texture.” On the Stonyfield website they further explains, “the centuries-old straining process removes the whey (liquid) from the yogurt. Today, we know that straining also makes Greek yogurt richer in protein than regular yogurt, and lower in lactose.”

Traditional Greek yogurt is extremely high in fat, but here in the United States we have both low-fat and non-fat options from which to choose. Fage and Greek Gods are the largest U.S. manufacturers of Greek style yogurts and can be found in health food stores around the country. Stonyfield, already a big player in the organic dairy industry, has recently unveiled their version as well, making Greek yogurt even more accessible to the general public.

While there are fruit and even vanilla varieties in the stores, my favorite is the low-fat plain yogurt. It is a dieter’s dream. Incredibly thick, despite the fact that it only has 4 grams of fat in an 8oz serving, it also contains a satisfying 8 grams of protein and is loaded with calcium and probiotics. All this, plus a great taste, for only 130 calories. For a mid-day treat just add a touch of fresh fruit and sprinkle with splenda or drizzle with honey for a more authentic Grecian delight. One bite and you’ll know that this is how yogurt is supposed to taste.